The Q-5, J-7, J-8 and older PLAAF aircraft

drowingfish

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The Soviet Su-15 Flagon had roughly the same performance. It was in service until the 1990s. It was considered to be pretty effective.

The MiG-21 was still effective against the Phantom over Vietnam. The Su-15 basically uses two of those engines and comes with an integrated radar. It was the backbone of Soviet air defense units until it was replaced by the Su-27 and MiG-31.

So I think the Chinese J-8II, roughly similar in layout but with more modern radar, was a competent design. Problem is it came out way too late.
i always thought that J-8II was a copy of Su-15 but that opinion does not seem to be shared by many.
 

siegecrossbow

General
Staff member
Super Moderator
i always thought that J-8II was a copy of Su-15 but that opinion does not seem to be shared by many.

It is not. Su-15 was a dedicated interceptor but the J-8II is well rounded, closer to a F-4 in terms of overall role. The J-8II has superior sustained turning ability than the J-7 but worse roll rate, which is expected for a twin engined fighter compared with a single engined one.
 

MiG_23M

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Does anyone have information on the J-8F radar? I'd like to find first hand sources if available, news articles... information with proper sources...
 

badger16

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i always thought that J-8II was a copy of Su-15 but that opinion does not seem to be shared by many.
They are sort of related, though: both trace their origins back to famous study by TsAGI in early 1950's, which spawned three important lineages: MiG-21, Su-9 and Su-7. Something like 20 000 jets were built based around those concepts.

Regarding J-8, this was asked already, but does anyone know about early J-8 production numbers: English and Chinese wikipedias state that basic version was accepted to service in 1980, and production terminated in 1985, but no other details are given. Regarding J-8I, English wikipedia claims that 'around 100' were built, while Chinese wiki puts the number on lowly 31. As it was in production only for couple of years, smaller number sounds more credible.
 

MiG_23M

New Member
Registered Member
They are sort of related, though: both trace their origins back to famous study by TsAGI in early 1950's, which spawned three important lineages: MiG-21, Su-9 and Su-7. Something like 20 000 jets were built based around those concepts.

Regarding J-8, this was asked already, but does anyone know about early J-8 production numbers: English and Chinese wikipedias state that basic version was accepted to service in 1980, and production terminated in 1985, but no other details are given. Regarding J-8I, English wikipedia claims that 'around 100' were built, while Chinese wiki puts the number on lowly 31. As it was in production only for couple of years, smaller number sounds more credible.
I thought the J-8I was just the designation for any of the original J-8's that were upgraded with an improved RWR, fire control radar, and other features along with compatibility with PL-8 or PL-5.
 

badger16

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I thought the J-8I was just the designation for any of the original J-8's that were upgraded with an improved RWR, fire control radar, and other features along with compatibility with PL-8 or PL-5.
Wouldn't that be J-8E, '90s update for earlier models?

(Supposedly) J-8 vs J-8I (aka. J-8A). Note different canopies, and different guns (30mm in original, GSh-23 in later example). Well technically example in the right is J-8E, but A had same features.

j8i.jpg
 

MiG_23M

New Member
Registered Member
Wouldn't that be J-8E, '90s update for earlier models?

(Supposedly) J-8 vs J-8I (aka. J-8A). Note different canopies, and different guns (30mm in original, GSh-23 in later example). Well technically example in the right is J-8E, but A had same features.

View attachment 115391
Yes you're correct, I was just a little confused / forgot.
 
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